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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-10-27 Committee of the Whole MinutesOctober 27, 1980 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL MEMBERS APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION High Occupancy Vehicle Plan (HOV) presented by Don Tranum. M I N U T E S 0 1963 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL City Hall COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING Council Chambers The Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by Council President Saul at 8:14 p.m. LIONEL C. BOHRER, GEORGE D. HILL, J. REID JOHANSON. DORIS E. PHELPS, Council President DANIEL J. SAUL, GARY L. VAN DUSEN. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 13, 1980 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING BE APPROVED AS PUBLISHED. MOTION CARRIED. Ted Uomoto, Director of Public Works, introduced Don Tranum of the Washington State Department of Transportation. Don Tranum stated the traffic demand on our transportation system in the State has risen sharply. The demand has grown to almost equal the capacity of many major routes, which causes traffic congestion with slow moving or stop- and -go traffic conditions. The traditional solution to this problem has been to build more freeways. This is no longer the policy. In an effort to reduce the problems, the thrust of the transportation program in this area is toward more effectively moving people and goods in an energy efficient way on the existing transportation system. To accomplish this, a long range program of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, Park and Ride lots, transmit stations, and electronic traffic management tools will be phased into operation over the next eight to ten years. The major features include HOV (diamond) lanes on SR 405 from Tukwila, I -5 and on a variety of other arterials such as portions of SR 90, SR 520, and SR 522. The plan includes 34 Park and Ride lots, many of which are already in operation, and expanded carpool and transit programs. Tying all of these traffic management tools together will be the FLOW System consisting of electronic measurement devices of the freeway and on ramps which detect the rate of traffic flow and allow adjustments to be made in the rate of access to assure safe and smooth freeway operation. The Puget Sound Council of Governments in its Transportation Plan has documented the need for transit lanes and a FLOW -type system in the Tukwila to the "S- curves" in Renton on SR 405. The SR 405 corridor has been identified as high priority for a study of a bus way, exclusive transit /carpool lanes, and /or a surveillance, control and Driver Information System (FLOW). The alternates are: leave existing roadway as is, in which case there would be no construction costs but it would not increase the people- carrying capacity, would not provide travel time incen- tive for increased transit and carpool usage and the congestion during peak periods would not be reduced. The right shoulder HOV lanes is favored as it would widen existing right shoulders to accommodate HOV traffic during peak periods. It would increase the people carrying capacity, provide travel time incentive for transit and carpool usage, relieve congestion during peak periods, there would be moderate cost of construction, no right -of -way would be required, HOV lane on westbound SR 520 shows this concept is workable, it is compatible with project approved and soon to be constructed on adjacent project (SR 405 Sunset Boulevard to Factoria). Dale Wirkkala, Department of Transportation, showed drawings of how the South Renton interchange could accommodate HOV lanes and the alternatives that will be shown in the report. He explained how car pools and busses will have free flow on the outside lane whereas a single car will be regulated by a signal. This section would be from Tukwila to Factoria. Car pool would be considered three people to a car. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING October 27, 1980 Page 2 DISCUSSION Contd. High Occupancy vehicle Plan (HOV) presented by Don Tranum contd. McNamara Condominiums request for approval of a prel. waiver (54 condo units on 2.7 ac. in McMicken Hts.)- contd. Councilman Bohrer asked if the data gathering process had been started in Tukwila yet? Mr. Wirkkala said it was started in 1978. The data will be provided to the City. Elanor McLester, 5118 So. 164th, Tukwila, asked about the traffic impact when the construction phase commences. Mr. Wirkkala said there will be some impact to traffic because the work will be done right up to the edge of the pavement. Short sections of the highway will be done at a time, and will be done during non -rush hours. It will likely be a one year program. Mr. McLester said with limited access onto the ramps the streets in Tukwila and Renton will be crowded. Mr. Wirkkala said they would try to make that impact as minimal as possible. All of the ramps will be monitored. Robert Crain, audience, asked if the HOV lane of traffic will be stopped at any time? Mr. Wirkkala said there is a maximum duration for the red traffic light. If the main line of traffic is kept moving it will really speed things up. John Bannon, Entranco consultant, presented a detail concep- tual plan which showed how the future road network, along I -405 between I -5 and SR -181, could be developed which would be compatible with the State's HOV plan. He presented exhibits showing how existing structures could be restriped, the widening of existing structures, build separate structures for HOV lanes (high cost of construction on this plan), Mr. Bannon said they favored the collector distributor lanes which would provide facility to separate weaving traffic from mainline traffic. There would be a relatively high cost of construction which would be constructed within existing right of -way; it allows for high HOV lane efficiency due to less congestion; reduces safety hazards due to less complicated traffic movements; increases efficiency of mixed traffic lanes by separating mainline and merging traffic. Mrs. McLester said the amount of traffic coming in from Longacres is a mess. Mr. Bannon said the City of Renton is trying to build an arterial parallel to Longacres; there are two or three programs being planned. Councilman Bohrer said it appears we are trying to help Renton at the expense of making it difficult for Tukwila in about five years. Don Tranum, Department of Transportation, said they are willing to work with the City of Tukwila and get a plan that is mutually acceptable. It is a policy type plan right now. Ted Uomoto, Director of Public Works, thanked the Department of Transportation and Mr. Bannon for their presentation. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY BOHRER, THAT ITEM 9 ON THE AGENDA BE CONSIDERED AT THIS TIME. MOTION CARRIED, WITH HILL VOTING NO. Warren Cussman, 2367 Eastlake East, Seattle, 98102, said he represented Mr. McNamara. The applicants are requesting approval of a preliminary waiver from the provisions of Ordin- ance 1137 in order to construct 54 condominium units on 2.7 acres in McMicken Heights. The waiver is necessary for two reasons: There is an inconsistency between the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Category and the existing zoning classification. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING October 27, 1980 Page 3 DISCUSSION Contd. McNamara Condominiums request for approval of a prel. waiver (54 condo units on 2.7 ac. in McMicken Hts.) contd. 0065 At this time the property is zoned RMH (multiple residential high density). The property appears on the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map as "low density residential" at a maximum density of 5.0 D.U. /acres. Ordinance 1137 requires that develop- ment proposals must either conform to the Comprehensive Plan or that a waiver from the use restrictions of the Comprehensive Plan be granted. (2) The project site is an identified area of environmental sensitivity. The Comprehensive Plan Environmental Base Map indicates that this site warrants special analysis of the following factors: Vegetation Cover The site contains many large, healthy trees, occurring as individual specimens or in rgroves at the south and east edges of the site. The Environmental Base Map depicts this site as a major wooded area characteristic of the City's valley wall. Geologic conditions the underlying geological structure of the site is questioned in the Environmental Base Map due to potential instability. Councilman Bohrer said staff recommendation indicates the Council can: Deny the waiver application as presented; approve the waiver application with the stipulation that such approval is only an authorization to proceed with environmental analysis and Board of ARchitectural Review, no endorsement of the project layout or proposed density is implied by such approval action; or take no action on the application pending forthcoming review of the new Zoning Ordinance text and map as recommended by the Planning Commission. Staff recommendation is that the Council take no action at this time and withhold a decision on the application until they have studied the new zoning documents. If the Council wishes to take action at this time, they may allow the applicants to undertake a detailed environmental impact investigation, but without any assurance that the project will ultimately be endorsed. Final decision on the design, density and impact mitigation aspects of the project would be left to Council at the final waiver stage of the approval process, and could possibly result in denial of development permits. Councilman Van Dusen said about one and one -half years ago the Council went through a similar waiver process for Mr. McNamara on a similar project. He said he could not recall the specifics of why the Council denied it. Mr. Cussman said the previous proposal was for 11 triplex units which was denied because of the density and the Comprehen- sive plan designation of McMicken Heights as a singly family area. Mr. Cussman said he understood there was litigation brought against the City by another developer with a similar project. Robert Crain, 5105 South 163rd Place, Tukwila, said as a resi- dent of the affected area, he would like to see the Council not take any action at this time. As far as he can see this project is no different than the other one. Edgar Bauch, 16603 53rd South, Tukwila, said he would like to point out that with the Schmid waiver process it was started just prior to the Comprehensive Plan and Mr. Schmid thought'. he should be "grandfathered" in. He suggested the Council wait 30 days before taking action. Councilman Bohrer said the City Attorney has said the Council must consider a waiver that is brought before them. It seems unreasonable for a developer to make a detailed environmental impact investigation without any assurance that the project will be endorsed. Mr. Bauch, audience, said he would like to have a public hearing so all of the people can come and voice their opinions. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY BOHRER, THAT A PUBLIC HEARING BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 10, 1980 AT THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING AND THE APPLICATION PROCESS BE REVIEWED AT THAT TIME. MOTION CARRIED. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING October 27, 1980 Page 4 DISCUSSION Contd. RECESS MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT THE TUKWILA CITY 9:22 9:30 P.M. COUNCIL RECESS FOR FIVE MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED. The Tukwila City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting was called back to order with Council Members present as previously listed. Magruder Street vacation Ted Uomoto, Director of Public Works, said his Department checked S. 139th west of Inter- the storm drain on the subject property. There is no water urban. line along that route. They checked the storm drain line system and one -half of it is out of the proposed vacation area. On that basis the vacation has possibilities. A 15 foot ease- ment should be provided to the City for maintenance. We need the requirement that the City have the right to go in at any time to repair and remove anything within the 15 foot line. If it were necessary for the City to dig we would back fill to the original grade. He said it seems there is a discrepancy in the boundary lines and he recommended that a survey be made to clearly identify the boundary lines. The technical engineer representing the applicant said he had no problems with any of the requirements. They could conduct the boundary survey and locate the storm drain and give the easement for the 15 feet. Councilman Bohrer asked how long it takes to conduct the survey? The technical engineer said it would take about 10 days and they would also draw up the easement. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY PHELPS, THAT THE MAGRUDER STREET VACATION BE CONSIDERED AT THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING ON NOVEMBER 10, 1980 SO THE EASEMENT AND SURVEY CAN BE PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED. 1981 Community Block John McFarland, Administrative Assistant, presented the 1981 Grant Application Process. Community Block Grant Project Identification schedule. The King County Office of Housing and Community Development requires that the program identification for 1981 Community Block Grant expenditures be forwarded for review by November 14. A resolution of commitment by the Council must follow by November 28, 1980. The King County criteria for project selection should benefit low and moderate income, be eligible under U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Regulations and "fit the priorities and strategies" of the King County H &CD 3 -year plan. They should be eligible projects under HUD regulations. The project should be identi- fied as being realizable. Councilman Bohrer said we should have a Public Hearing on November 10, 1980. Mr. McFarland said staff would like to have guidelines from the Council, as public input is minimal. Councilman Phelps said in the Community Affairs Committee a grant is being considered for the Old City Hall. Mr. McFarland said this would fortify it. Councilman Phelps asked what action has taken place on the Old City Hall? Jacob Macias, Grant Coordinator, said we may get a grant for 75 we will know whether or not we get it in January 1981. Bob Connor, Crime Prevention, said he thought of the need for personal safety in the parks and on the trails. He said he liked the lighting at Foster High School, it is not bright but it is light. Another recommendation would be pick -up of the 1980 program for senior citizens helping them get locks, smoke detectors, etc. He said they would like to expand on that. This would be for low and moderate income senior citizens. There was a lot of response to the 1978 -80 program, and people were helped. There are also some families who own their homes who are not able to get the assistance because of age or they are apartment dwellers or not in the income bracket. He said he felt they can reach TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING October 27, 1980 Page 5 DISCUSSION Contd. 1981 Community Block Grant Application Process contd. Res. authorizing Mayor to execute City of Seattle Pipeline Permit Agreement. Bestway Motor Frt. Terminal request for final waiver approval these people. He said they would like to have a part -time person available as community organizer so there could be block watches and apartment watches. He said we need to get feed back from the people. Councilman Hill asked if the cost of the lighting is known? Officer Connor said the cost is not known. Normally the Christensen Trail is dark unless the moon is out. Councilman Phelps asked if the part -time person to be used as a community organizer would be funded by the project or would it be volunteer? c)167 Officer Connor said they would like to have a volunteer, but they would like some funds available to pay for gas, etc. Don Williams said the Community Center needs some improvements. Councilman Hill said he would like to see low income families and the elderly helped. Some of them have homes that need paint. Could we use money to buy the paint and then donate labor to put it on? Don Williams said the home has to be owner occuped to have improvements. If the home is sold the cost of the improvements have to be paid by the owner. Mr. Williams said winterization is also available for anyone. Mr. Dick Goe, audience, said he would like to ask the Council to make improvements to Tukwila Park on South 160th. When the property was acquired there were suggestions for improve- ments. The only improvements have been through the efforts of the local citizens. It is still fairly dense with under- brush and dangerous to small children. Any funds that are available could be used for this project. Councilman Bohrer said lighting Christensen Trail could be very expensive and he did not think it would be that beneficial. He asked about the status of the planned improvements to Old City Hall. Don Williams, Recreation Supervisor, said a preliminary plan was developed but there had been no progress made. The plan included a handicapped entrance to the library. Councilman Phelps asked if the Park Board has reviewed the plan? Mr. Williams said they have reviewed it. Councilman Van Dusen said they had discussed the requirement for some doors at the Old City Hall. Officer Bob Connor said the security problems at the library can be solved. The doors with dead bolts can be brought from the old police building. The door on the west side of the Old City Hall can be replaced with one of the doors from the police building. The bathrooms have the safety glass with safety wire running through. The front door could be replaced with an older attractive door. The present one has a thin glass window door. He said he would recommend a new door. Officer Connor said the ultra sonic system could be hooked up. Council President Saul said a Public Hearing would be held on November 10, 1980 during the Committee of the Whole Meeting. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY BOHRER, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE CITY OF SEATTLE PIPELINE PERMIT AGREEMENT BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE NOVEMBER 3, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY BOHRER, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT THE BESTWAY MOTOR FREIGHT TERMINAL REQUEST FOR FINAL WAIVER APPROVAL BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE COMM. OF THE WHOLE MEETING OF NOV. 10, 1980. MOTION CARRIED WITH PHELPS VOTING NO. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING October 27, 1980 Page 6 DISCUSSION Contd. Boyd Annexation Petition (revised plat legal descrip.) Prop. Ord. providing for the licensing of busines- ses within the City amending Ord. #537. Prop. Ord. providing for cumulative reserve fund for the purpose of acquiring fire equipment. Prop. Ord. amending 1980 budget as adopted by Ord. 1139 to appropr. unanticipated rev. for payment of firefighters union FICA Court Award. Prop. Res. endorsing sales tax increase for public transportation. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS City Council President Saul asked that the current status of the Boyd Annexation be determined and the petition would be considered at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on November 10, 1980. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY JOHANSON, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LICENSING OF BUSINESSES WITHIN THE CITY AND AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 537 BE ON THE AGENDA OF NOVEMBER 3, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. Councilman Bohrer asked whend the license fee was established? Councilman Hill said it was some time ago perhaps 1958 or 1960. Council President Saul asked what it costs to process a business license? Mayor Todd said it is not unreasonable to raise the fee from $25 to $100. The cities around Tukwila charge for business licenses on a revolving basis. Councilman Phelps said she wondered about the impact the increase in fee would have on small establishments. MOVED BY VAN DUSEN, SECONDED BY HILL, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE PUT IN THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. MOTION CARRIED. *MOTION FAILED, WITH VAN DUSEN AND BOHRER VOTING YES. Fire Chief Crawley said the Fire Department has one truck that has to be replaced and another that should be replaced in four years. The proposed ordinance provides for a cumulative reserve fund to accumulate funds for the acquisition of fire equipment to be acquired when sufficient funds are available. MOVED BY BOHRER, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE NOVEMBER 3, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. Councilman Phelps asked if there is a record kept of maintenance and repairs on the fire equipment. Chief Crawley said there is a record kept and they do about 80% of the work in- house. Councilman Phelps asked if the Fire Department gets a profes- sional estimate on the life of the equipment. Chief Crawley said the Fire Department runs tests and documents them. It is a requirement. *MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY PHELPS, THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE NOVEMBER 3, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. Councilman Bohrer asked where the "unanticipated" revenue was coming from? Mayor Todd said from the general sales and use tax Councilman Bohrer suggested that a second "Whereas" paragraph be inserted in the ordinance to indicate where the money is coming from. *MOTION CARRIED. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE NOVEMBER 3, 1980 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED, WITH BOHRER AND JOHANSON VOTING NO. Community Affairs Committee Chairman Bohrer said regarding the matter of the *Corrected at COW,11/10. residential fire siren unless the Council wants to consider it, it will be removed from the committee agenda. Committee recommended that projector o rr 1981 enCZunciq The Committee is checking on the progress of the ordinance pro�ector for the Counc2G 9 p 9 Chambers. dealing with discrimination of children in apartments. TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING October 27, 1980 Page 7 STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS Contd. Finance Personnel Committee Chairman Phelps said the Committee would meet on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. They are discussing the salary plan. OTHER Special Wednesday Night Meeting. ADJOURNMENT 10:45 P.M. Mayor Todd said next Monday, November 3, 1980 the Regular Meeting of the City Council will be attended by visitors from the Japanese Sister City. Since the meeting time will be taken up with introduction of the visitors, etc., he suggested that a Special Meeting be held on Wednesday, November 5, 1980 to take care of the regular business that has been scheduled for the meeting. MOVED BY HILL, SECONDED BY VAN DUSEN, THAT THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL COMMIT THE WHOLE MEETING ADJOURN. MOTION CARRIED. j_„_% Daniel J. ,haul Cry Council President (2 ie..„) Norma Booher, Recording Secretary